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Ordinary Time, 19th Sunday (10 August)

Opening Comment
We gather to celebrate our beautiful God, who was revealed to Elijah as a gentle breeze and who calmed the storm on the lake. We are grateful that this God takes our fears away and gives rest to our souls.

Alternative Opening Prayer (from the ICEL 1998 Missal)
God of all power,
your sovereign word comes to us in Christ.
When your Church is in danger, make firm our trust;
when your people falter, steady our faith.
Show us in Jesus your power to save,
that we may always acclaim him as Lord,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God for ever and ever.

Introduction to the Scripture Readings
Isaiah 56:1, 6-7 — God is a calming presence in both the First Reading and Gospel today. In this reading, Elijah finds God not in the storm but in the gentle breeze.
Romans 9:1-5 — Paul acknowledges the role of the Jews in the salvation history. He would do anything to help them see this.
Matthew 14:22-33 — Jesus shows us that when we keep our eyes on him, none of life’s storms can hurt us.

BIDDING PRAYERS

Introduction (by the Presider) God’s help is near for those who beliveve, so we can present our petitions with confidence.

  1. That all who are part of the Christian family may find strength in praying to our gentle God (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
  2. That the nations who live in mistrust of each other may learn to resolve their differences peacefully (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
  3. That all who go to sea, for work or leisure, may be spared from violent storms (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
  4. That those who staff the lifeboats, and take part in search and rescue missions, may themselves enjoy God’s protection (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
  5. That all the members of this community may know Christ’s calming presence in the troubles of life (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
  6. That the dead, particularly those who have been lost at sea, may know the calm peace of the Father’s House (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.

The Presider mentions those who have died locally: We also remember N who died recently and N & N whose anniversaries occur (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.

Conclusion (by the Presider) O God, our help and our refuge, you guide your people according to your wisdom: accept our prayers and come to our aid, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

SONGS AT MASS  (Suggestions) ‘Christ Be Beside Me’; ‘Be Not Afraid’; ‘Glory and Praise to our God’.

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